B.C. premier defends housing policies at town hall
Premier David Eby took part in a town hall Thursday, fielding questions about everything from crime, to disability rates and childcare. But the crowd also wanted answers on housing.
At Camosun College's Interurban campus, Eby faced an NDP-friendly crowd who had questions about a yet-to-be-detailed program that would allow each single family home in the province to be replaced by four units.
Wei Tu who said she'd lived in Victoria and Saanich for more than 30 years thanked the premier for his work in light of the 'hand grenades' he was handling – housing among them.
Tu wanted details about the four-unit plan, saying it lacked some specifics.
"The lot size could be 10,000 square feet, it could be 100,000 square feet. When you say four units per lot, it doesn't really address the issue," Tu said to the premier.
Her suggestion was that instead four units be allowed for every 10,000 square foot of space as a way of more effectively increasing supply.
Eby explained that the Housing Ministry was working with the Union of BC Municipalities to figure out how a plan to increase density can be executed.
"The detailed work is happening with the cities right now, to make sure we're addressing key questions, like infrastructure, and sewage and water that we need to deal with," Eby replied.
For some mayors the idea may be a tough sell. At a recent housing summit hosted by the UBCM there was a lot of heated debate.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie asked what would happen to services already understaffed like police, schools, and hospitals.
Any big change is likely also being looked at carefully by concerned citizens like Tu.
Tsur Somerville, a professor of real estate science at the University of British Columbia, pointed out that changing people's minds may take years. Part of the reason why, he explained, is because for many homeowners, the bulk of their wealth is tied up in their property.
"Part of it, particularly for owners, is 'I've got so much invested in this, and if this goes wrong, it's really going to hurt me'" he said.
While the speculation and foreign buyers' taxes deal with demand -- Somerville beleives supply and speed are crucial.
"If you think affordability is the problem, the main solution is more housing – more housing, more quickly delivered," added Somerville.
And alack of supply will only become a more pressing concern, with Eby noting that more people have moved to B.C. so far in 2023 than did in all of 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
MPs to decide on Speaker Fergus' invite flub as Conservatives advance effort to oust him
The federal Conservatives have advanced a motion that will force MPs to vote on whether to oust Greg Fergus as House of Commons Speaker, after MPs' deputy adjudicator ruled Monday that the Liberal member's allegedly errant partisan event invite required urgent attention.
WATCH Alta. man rescues wild foal trapped on steep cliffside
A man's daring rescue of a newborn wild foal that was trapped after falling down a steep embankment was caught on video over the weekend.
Stars roar back to win Game 3 over Oilers
Jason Robertson's hat-trick goal midway through the third period broke a deadlock and proved to be the eventual winner as the Dallas Stars beat the host Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final to take a 2-1 series lead.
Kitchener, Ont. woman with incurable cancer pushing province to cover rare cancer drug
A rare cancer treatment could potentially extend the life of an Ontario woman. The problem is, the province won’t approve the pricey drug.
Trial for B.C. man accused of killing, dismembering wife begins
The trial for a Langley man accused of killing his wife began Monday, with the prosecutor laying out a disturbing series of facts agreed upon by both Crown and defence.